DAVID Brooks has completed his move to Southampton, on loan until the end of the season.

Cherries were keen to keep hold of the Wales international, who shone in the club’s last fixture – the 5-0 thrashing of Swansea City in the FA Cup last week.

But Brooks pushed for an exit ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline, desperate for more regular game-time.

The deal is a straight loan with no obligation or option to make it permanent, with Brooks expected to return to Cherries for pre-season ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Saints, managed by Russell Martin, currently sit third in the Championship, unbeaten in 22 matches and chasing promotion.

Brooks has been on Southampton’s radar all month, and worked under their director of football Jason Wilcox, during the pair’s time at Manchester City.

Cherries chief executive Neill Blake said: "Having discussed David's situation with him this month, and taking into account his desire to be playing more minutes of first-team football, we have accepted his request to authorise such a move.

"There has been a certain level of reluctance on our part, as David means a great deal to us all at the club.

"It is because of this that we respect his wishes, and look forward to his return where he will continue to be a valuable asset to our squad, hopefully for many years to come."

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent last week, Brooks said: “I want first-team football, especially for my own career and then again for Wales.

“We've got some big qualifiers coming up, so I'm looking to play as many minutes as possible.

“And hopefully (my performance against Swansea) puts me more in the gaffer's mind to get some.

“The squad is very, very good here and they've had a good couple of months.

“I've had a lot of time on the sidelines and I don't want to continue it.

“I'd love to continue my football here, but it's just kind of up to everyone what they think the best situation for me is.

“When you look at it, I'd rather be playing here, but if he (the head coach) thinks there's not guaranteed football for me here, then obviously I'll try and explore the opportunities elsewhere.”

The 26-year-old would have preferred to have stayed at Cherries, but Andoni Iraola could not give him the assurances he needed, with competition for places high on the wings.

Brooks has started just two Premier League games this season, one of which came on the opening day.

Luis Sinisterra, Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, Marcus Tavernier and Dango Ouattara have all at times been preferred to Brooks.

After Brooks scored and provided two assists against the Swans, Iraola appeared reluctant to single him out for praise, instead insisting: “I think everyone was really good.”

Brooks is the second player to join Saints on loan from Cherries this month, after Joe Rothwell.

There could be more departures ahead of Thursday’s 11pm deadline.

Fleetwood Town are trying to tie up a loan deal for midfielder Gavin Kilkenny, while Daniel Adu-Adjei could also exit on a temporary basis.

Championship clubs are keen to tie up a deal for Kieffer Moore, but Cherries would only sanction that should a replacement be found.

Romain Faivre is expected to be recalled from his loan spell at Lorient to help cover in Brooks's absence.